Police warn residents to protect valuables after vehicle thefts

HALEYVILLE  -  Police are sending out a strong message for people to protect their valuables and lock their vehicles, after at least two vehicles have been stolen and another plundered and valuables taken within a short time frame in the area.
Between Dec. 9-11, a 2000 Volvo 570, blue in color with a dealer license tag, was stolen from a residence at the 2300 block of 15th Avenue, where no forced entry was made into the vehicle, noted Haleyville Police Chief Kyle Reogas.
Between 7 p.m. and midnight on Dec. 3, a truck parked at a residence on the 2300 block of 15th Avenue was broken into  and such items as wallet containing credit, debit cards and a small amount of cash were stolen, along with a Yeti cooler and an air compressor, Reogas pointed out.
Between 7:30-11 a.m. Dec. 14, a 2008 Toyota Camry white in color, was stolen from the area of the 1300 block of 24th Street.
The Toyota had the license tag 67BC736, according to Reogas.
“The owner of the vehicle reported that her car keys had been missing two days prior to when the car was taken,” Reogas said.
“Authorities can’t assume that both incidents are related just because of the similarity of both being located in the same general area,” Reogas pointed out.
Chief Reogas took this opportunity to remind residents to take proper steps that can prevent break-ins and thefts of their vehicles from happening.
“Lock your car doors,” Reogas warned. “By all means, do not leave the keys in the ignition.”
The police chief also suggested that motion sensors or flood lights be installed around their carport or driveway areas.
“Do all you can to prevent it,” he said. 
“Usually, if a vehicle is stolen, if law enforcement is able to recover it, then it’s normally burned, wrecked or of no value,” said Reogas.
A resident who lives in the areas of these thefts and break-in also sent out a warning to their neighbors to keep a close watch on their homes and surroundings.
“Just stay alert,” the resident said. “If you see something suspicious in our neighborhood, call the police. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you see someone lurking around a home and you know the people are at work, act on it.”
Since these incidents have occurred, the resident pays more attention at their residence. “We have a lot of people who walk up and down that street that do not live on that street,” the resident said.
“It’s not a crime to walk, but you don’t need to veer off the street into someone’s yard if you don’t live there,” the resident pointed out.
“It’s the holiday season and people are desperate for money, desperate for money to buy drugs or whatever, and they take advantage of the fact they know people might have presents.”
Investigation in the break-in and thefts is ongoing by the Haleyville Police Department.
No arrests had been made in the case as of press time, according to Chief Reogas.